UEFA have officially rejected SL Benfica’s appeal to lift the provisional suspension imposed on Gianluca Prestianni ahead of their Champions League second leg against Real Madrid CF.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official x handle, the suspension remains valid for Wednesday night’s fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu, meaning Prestianni will not be available for selection.
Fabrizio stated:
Official: UEFA confirm to Benfica their decision to reject the appeal for Gianluca Prestianni. Provisional suspension remains valid for tonight; Prestianni will not play at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid.
Softfootball earlier reported that The provisional ban was issued after the 20-year-old was accused of directing a racist slur at Vinícius Júnior during the first leg in Lisbon.
The match was halted for 10 minutes after Vinícius approached referee François Letexier to lodge a complaint. The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius had scored the only goal of the game, giving Madrid a 1–0 aggregate advantage heading into the return leg.
Despite Benfica’s request for the suspension to be lifted with Prestianni firmly denying the allegation UEFA confirmed the decision would stand while the investigation continues. In an official statement released just hours before kick-off.
UEFA said:
The appeal lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 February 2026 is confirmed. Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.
Benfica president Rui Costa publicly backed the player, stating:
Benfica will stand by Prestianni. Not just because he’s our player. Prestianni is not racist, he is being condemned for racism when he is not racist.
Manager José Mourinho has declined to speak to the media following his controversial comments after the first leg.
Prestianni also issued a denial, saying:
I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I was never racist with anyone and I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players.
Footage from the stoppage appeared to show two Benfica supporters racially abusing Vinícius. The Portuguese club confirmed they will sanction any fans found guilty of racist behaviour, including monkey chants or gestures, and have launched an internal investigation.
With tensions high and the investigation ongoing, the focus now shifts to events on the pitch at the Bernabéu, where Benfica must attempt to overturn a 1–0 deficit without Prestianni available.
